Ex-Pools boss returning to Hartlepool to help football stars of future

Martin Scott with Improtech director of operations Simon Robson.

Published:06:00Monday 11 September 2017

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Budding soccer stars of the future can get on the ball as a new football academy with elite coaches comes to Hartlepool.

Ex-Hartlepool United manager Martin Scott, who now runs a leading football academy, says the town is a “potential hotbed” of future footballing talent.

Talented young footballers in the area are being offered a free training session this week as the Improtech Soccer Academy sets up in town.

Founded by Martin, also a former Sunderland player, the academy is a leading provider of football in education in the North of England.

New regular Tuesday night coaching sessions, for players aged from under six up to 15, are to be held at Brierton Sports Centre.

The first one takes place tomorrow from 5pm-6pm, and every young player’s first visit will be free.

And Improtech Soccer is also officially launching its new Football Academy at English Martyrs School in Catcote Road.

Its aim is to take promising young footballers and developing them to the point where they could play professionally.

Martin told the Mail: “We’re really excited about English Martyrs and developing it in the years ahead as a centre where young players can get an excellent education on and off the pitch.

“We’ve had great success at Kepier Academy in Houghton in improving good young players who have then gone on to sign for Sunderland, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough and other professional clubs.

“And there’s no doubt that the Hartlepool area is potentially another hotbed of young footballing talent.

“Obviously we will be looking to channel that talent through Martyrs but we have also found that open training sessions for players of all ages are really popular in the community and we’re looking forward to starting those at Brierton.”

Martin managed Pools between 2005 and 2006 following the departure of Neal Cooper.

He is now is a UEFA Pro Licence holder – the highest training qualification available in football – and the success of his coaching team and his unique approach has seen football in education academies opened at Kepier, Sunderland College, South Shields FC and now English Martyrs.

Improtech stands for Improve Technique.

Anyone interested in going to this Tuesday’s session in Hartlepool should email either simon@improtechsoccer.com or steve@improtechsoccer.com to confirm their attendance.

Players will need to bring full training kit, shin-pads, and a drink. Footwear with metal studs should not be worn.